[Traumatic brain injury in patients over 65 years of age attended in the emergency department, characteristics and complications]. / Traumatismo craneoencefálico en pacientes mayores de 65 años atendidos en urgencias; características y complicaciones.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ageing is associated with an increased risk of falls and trauma. The aim of the study was to assess the characteristics of patients over 65 years of age who consulted the ED for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2022, their relationship with cognitive impairment, functional dependence, use of oral antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2022. Demographic data were collected: age, sex, origin; cardiovascular risk factors; cognitive impairment using the Pfeiffer questionnaire; physical disability according to the Barthel Index; number of drugs; use of antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant (OAC); mechanism of fall; performance of cranial X-ray/CT, and presence of complications: intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), death. RESULTS: 599 patients were included. The mean age was 82.3±8.2 years. 63.8% were female and 36.2% male. 75.3% were from home, 24.7% from residence. No dementia in 61.4%, moderate-severe dementia in 38.6%. 58.1% were functionally independent, 25.1% had moderate-severe dependence. 85.7% had CVRF: HT 476 (79.5%), dyslipidaemia 354 (59.1%), DM 217 (36.2%), obesity 173 (28.9%), smoking 15 (2.5%). The number of drugs per patient was 9.2±4.3. Polypharmacy was present in 94.7% of patients. 35.9% were taking antiplatelet drugs and 30.2% anticoagulants. Intracranial haemorrhage occurred in 11 (2.3%) patients. Four (0.7%) patients died. CONCLUSIONS: The TBI in our study was caused by low-energy trauma in a female patient, without dementia, functionally independent and with polypharmacy. There were few serious complications: 2.3% ICH and 0.7% deaths. 90.1% of ICH occurred in patients on antiplatelet and/or OAC therapy.

DOACs for Older adults with Atrial Fibrillation and Falls: Results from the prospective single-centre DOAFF study.

INTRODUCTION: Falls are one of the most fearsome events in anticoagulated older adults. The evidence concerning safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in falling elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is still limited. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive anticoagulant-naïve patients aged 65 years and older, starting anticoagulation with DOACs for AF. The study cohort was stratified in fallers vs. non-fallers, according to the occurrence of at least one fall during the 2-year follow-up and bleeding outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: We enrolled 524 consecutive patients. Mean age was 80.8 years and they were mostly women (54.0%). Among the study cohort, 148 patients (28.2%) presented at least one fall episode during the study period. After the adjustment for potential confounders, no difference was found between fallers and non-fallers for all the study outcomes: major bleeding [HR: 1.04 (95%CI: 0.58-1.85)], intracranial haemorrhage [HR: 1.63 (95%CI: 0.69-3.80)], clinically relevant non-major bleeding [HR: 1.21 (95%CI: 0.83-1.76)], and all-cause death [HR: 1.51 (95%CI: 0.85-2.69)]. The presence of a prior cerebrovascular event [HR: 2.27 (95%CI: 1.12-4.62); p-value: 0.02] and polypharmacy [HR: 1.60 (95%CI: 1.08-2.39); p-value: 0.02] were the main drivers for major and clinically relevant non-major bleedings, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Falls in an anticoagulant-naïve population aged 65 years and over starting a DOAC for AF do not increase the bleeding risk. Thus, the presence of falls should not discourage clinicians from prescribing DOACs also in this subset of patients.

Association of Handgrip Strength with Hip Fracture and Falls in Community-dwelling Middle-aged and Older Adults: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Hip fracture and falls are significant health concerns. Handgrip strength (HGS) is closely associated with overall muscle strength and physical health. However, the longitudinal relationship between HGS and the risk of hip fractures and falls remains unclear, particularly regarding gender differences. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in individuals aged 45 years and above, considering gender-specific differences over a 4-year period. METHODS: This study included 10,092 participants (4471 men and 5621 women) aged 45 years and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Incidents of hip fractures and falls were recorded during a 4-year follow-up, along with various demographic and clinical factors. Participants were categorized into five groups based on their HGS quintiles. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between HGS and hip fracture/fall risk. RESULTS: During the 4-year follow-up period, 223 cases of hip fracture (2.2%) and 1831 cases of falls (18.1%) were documented. Notably, higher HGS demonstrated a strong inverse association with the risk of hip fracture in both males and females (p < 0.05). In comparison to the lowest HGS quintile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hip fracture were 0.46 (0.27-0.78) for the total population, 0.4 (0.19-0.81) for males and 0.48 (0.23-0.98) for females in the highest HGS quintile. Furthermore, a profound and statistically significant negative correlation between HGS and falls was detected (p < 0.05). The adjusted ORs for falls in the highest HGS quintile, compared to the lowest quintile, were 0.62 (0.51-0.76) in the overall population, 0.59 (0.44-0.78) in males, and 0.78 (0.62-0.99) in females. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the significant inverse association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in both males and females aged 45 years and above. Assessing handgrip strength may serve as a valuable tool for predicting fracture and fall risk.

Risk Assessment and Prevention of Falls in Older Community-Dwelling Adults: A Review.

Importance: Falls are reported by more than 14 million US adults aged 65 years or older annually and can result in substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. Observations: Falls result from age-related physiologic changes compounded by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. Major modifiable risk factors among community-dwelling older adults include gait and balance disorders, orthostatic hypotension, sensory impairment, medications, and environmental hazards. Guidelines recommend that individuals who report a fall in the prior year, have concerns about falling, or have gait speed less than 0.8 to 1 m/s should receive fall prevention interventions. In a meta-analysis of 59 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in average-risk to high-risk populations, exercise interventions to reduce falls were associated with 655 falls per 1000 patient-years in intervention groups vs 850 falls per 1000 patient-years in nonexercise control groups (rate ratio [RR] for falls, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.83; risk ratio for number of people who fall, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.81-0.89; risk difference, 7.2%; 95% CI, 5.2%-9.1%), with most trials assessing balance and functional exercises. In a meta-analysis of 43 RCTs of interventions that systematically assessed and addressed multiple risk factors among individuals at high risk, multifactorial interventions were associated with 1784 falls per 1000 patient-years in intervention groups vs 2317 falls per 1000 patient-years in control groups (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67-0.87) without a significant difference in the number of individuals who fell. Other interventions associated with decreased falls in meta-analysis of RCTs and quasi-randomized trials include surgery to remove cataracts (8 studies with 1834 patients; risk ratio [RR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.96), multicomponent podiatry interventions (3 studies with 1358 patients; RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99), and environmental modifications for individuals at high risk (12 studies with 5293 patients; RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.91). Meta-analysis of RCTs of programs to stop medications associated with falls have not found a significant reduction, although deprescribing is a component of many successful multifactorial interventions. Conclusions and Relevance: More than 25% of older adults fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in persons aged 65 years or older. Functional exercises to improve leg strength and balance are recommended for fall prevention in average-risk to high-risk populations. Multifactorial risk reduction based on a systematic clinical assessment for modifiable risk factors may reduce fall rates among those at high risk.

Exploring the impact of traumatic injury on mortality: An analysis of the certified cause of death within one year of serious injury in the Scottish population.

BACKGROUND: Few studies effectively quantify the long-term incidence of death following injury. The absence of detailed mortality and underlying cause of death data results in limited understanding and a potential underestimation of the consequences at a population level. This study takes a nationwide approach to identify the one-year mortality following injury in Scotland, evaluating survivorship in relation to pre-existing comorbidities and incidental causes of death. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study assessed the one-year mortality of adult trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥ 9 during 2020 using the Scottish Trauma Audit Group (STAG) registry linked to inpatient hospital data and death certificate records. Patients were divided into three groups: trauma death, trauma-contributed death, and non-trauma death. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis to evaluate mortality, and cox proportional hazards regression analysed risk factors linked to death. RESULTS: 4056 patients were analysed with a median age 63 years (58-88) and male predominance (55.2 %). Falls accounted for 73.1 % of injuries followed by motor vehicle accidents (16.3 %) and blunt force (4.9 %). Extremity was the most commonly injured region overall followed by chest and head. However, head injury prevailed in those who died. The registry demonstrated a one-year mortality of 19.3 % with 55 % deaths occurring post-discharge. Of all deaths reported, 35.3 % were trauma deaths, and 47.7 % were trauma-contributed deaths. These groups accounted for over 70 % of mortality within 30 days of hospital admission and continued to represent the majority of deaths up to 6 months post-injury. Patients who died after 6 months were mainly the result of non-traumatic causes, frequently circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases (37.7 %, 12.3 %, 9.1 %, respectively). Independent risk factors for one-year mortality included a GCS ≤ 8, modified Charlson Comorbidity score >5, Injury Severity Score >25, serious head injury, age and sex. CONCLUSION: With a one-year mortality of 19.3 %, and post-discharge deaths higher than previously appreciated, patients can face an extended period of survival uncertainty. As mortality due to index trauma lasted up to 6 months post-admission, short-term outcomes fail to represent trauma burden and so cogent survival predictions should be avoided in clinical and patient settings.

Does delay from injury to surgery increase the risk of dislocation of a hip hemiarthroplasty?

Dislocation of a hip hemiarthroplasty used to treat a hip fracture is a serious complication. The aim of this study was to identify whether a delay in the time from fracture to surgery causes an increase in the rate of post-operative hip dislocation. From a single center, data from intracapsular neck of femur patients treated with hip hemiarthroplasty was collected between October 1986 to August 2021. The time from both fall to surgery and admission to surgery was recorded. Surviving patients were followed up for one year. The overall dislocation rate was 51 out of 4155 patients (1.2%). The 3019 patients who had surgery within two days of the injury had a lowest dislocation rate (29 dislocations, 0.96%). For the 197 patients with no history of a fall, there were 5 (2.5%) dislocations (p=0.036, 95% confidence interval of difference 0.15 to 0.97 for comparison with surgery within two days). For the 399 patients with a delay of more than four days from injury till surgery, there were nine dislocations (2.3%) (p=0.045, 95% confidence intervals of difference 0.20 to 0.89 for comparison with surgery within two days). This study demonstrates an increase in the risk of dislocation for those patients with no history of a fall and those with a delay of more than four days from injury to surgery.

The rationale and recommendations for inclusion of screening for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in falls clinics.

BACKGROUND: There have been many studies linking falls and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This article collates those studies, and demonstrates how a community falls service fast-tracked patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by implementing validated screening tools and recognised guidance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore whether routine screening of referrals to a community falls service can identify those with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, for fast-tracked management. METHODS: Patients referred to a community falls service were screened for possible benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and triaged to a physiotherapy-led falls and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo assessment service. RESULTS: Twenty-five per cent of patients were fast-tracked to a falls and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo assessment service for management. The community falls service waiting list reduced by 25 per cent. CONCLUSION: The data support incorporating assessment and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo into routine practice within all falls services.

What Tools Can We Use to Screen for Fall Risk in Older Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment? Findings from the MEMENTO Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Identifying risk factors for falls can improve outcomes in older patients without cognitive decline. Yet this has not been demonstrated in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We therefore sought to better identify risk factors for falls in this particular group. DESIGN: The analysis was conducted on the MEMENTO cohort, which is a large, French, prospective cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We included older people (>65 years old) with MCI (defined from neuropsychological scores) and a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score at baseline. METHODS: Fallers were defined as participants having fallen at least once during the study's 2-year follow-up period. We compared clinical, neuropsychological, and biological data at baseline in fallers vs nonfallers. Additional analyses were performed on the following subgroups: women, men, people aged ≥75 years. RESULTS: Of the 1416 people included in our study, 194 (13.5%) fell at least once. A bivariate analysis showed that fallers were older, predominantly women, less independent in activities of daily living, and more apathetic. Fallers performed less well in executive function, balance, and gait tests. In a multivariable analysis, only age, gender, the number of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, and living alone were significantly associated with falls. In a multivariable analysis of the subgroup of oldest patients and of the subgroup of men, executive function was significantly worse in fallers than in nonfallers. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results demonstrate that easily attainable risk factors can be used to identify individuals with MCI with a higher risk of falls and for whom prevention could be beneficial. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of mild executive dysfunction in certain subgroups, such as men and oldest patients.

Quedas entre pacientes internados em um hospital público e de ensino: uma análise das notificações / Falls of patients admitted to a public and teaching hospital: an analysis of notifications / Caídas en pacientes ingresados en un hospital público y docente: análisis de las no-tificaciones

Objetivo: descrever o perfil das quedas notificadas de pacientes internados em um hospital público e de ensino. Método: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, com análise estatística descritiva, inferencial e de correspondência múltipla dos dados de notificações do aplicativo Vigilância em Saúde e Gestão de Riscos Assistenciais Hospitalares sobre quedas de pacientes internados entre 2017 e 2019. Resultados: predominaram, dentre 153 notificações de quedas no período, as ocorridas no quarto, em unidades de atendimento cirúrgico, emergencial e clínico, sofridas por pacientes do sexo masculino, na faixa etária entre 20 e 59 anos. Nesta, destacaram-se os idosos. A abrasão foi o dano mais relatado. A análise de correspondência múltipla não apresentou significância. Conclusão: a análise dos eventos notificados contribuiu para o planejamento e a implantação do Programa Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety Brasil para aprimoramento da gestão dos riscos relacionados.(AU)

Objective: to describe the profile of reported falls of patients admitted to a public and teaching hospital. Method: descriptive and retrospective study, with descriptive, inferential, and multiple correspondence statistical analysis of notification data from the Health Surveillance and Hospital Care Risk Management app on falls of hospitalized patients between 2017 and 2019. Results: predominated, among 153 notifications of falls in the period, those occurring in the ward, in surgical, emergency, and clinical care units, suffered by male patients, aged between 20 and 59 years. In this, the elderly stood out. Abrasion was the most reported harm. Multiple correspondence analysis did not show significance. Conclusion: the analysis of reported events contributed to the planning and implementation of the Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety Program in Brazil to improve the management of related risks.(AU)

Objetivo: describir el perfil de las caídas de pacientes internados reportadas en un hospital público y de enseñanza. Método: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con análisis estadístico descriptivo, inferencial y análisis de correspondencias múltiples de datos de notificación de la aplicación Vigilancia en Salud y Gestión de Riesgos de Atención Hospitalaria sobre caídas de pacientes hospitalizados entre 2017 y 2019. Resultados: predominó, entre 153 notificaciones de caídas en el período, las ocurridas en el dormitorio, en unidades quirúrgicas, de emergencia y de atención clínica, sufridos por pacientes del sexo masculino, con edades entre 20 y 59 años. En este último, se destacaron los adultos mayores. La abrasión fue el daño más reportado. El análisis de correspondencia múltiple no mostró significación. Conclusión: el análisis de los eventos notificados contribuyó para la planificación e implementación del Programa Fall Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety en Brasil para mejorar la gestión de sus riesgos re-lacionados.(AU

Quedas e fatores associados entre idosos atendidos em uma clínica escola: um estudo de coorte / Falls and associated factors among elderly people assisted in a school clinic: a cohort study / Caídas y factores asociados en ancianos atendidos en una clínica escolar: un estudio de cohortes

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência, a incidência e os fatores associados a quedas entre idosos atendidos em uma clínica escola. Método: O estudo foi dividido em dois componentes, sendo o seguimento transversal de agosto de 2016 a novembro de 2018 (n=129), e o de coorte de agosto de 2018 a novembro de 2018 (n=66). Realizaram-se análises estatísticas, a partir da Regressão Múltipla de Poisson, entre o desfecho e as ca- racterísticas sociodemográficas e de saúde. Resultados: A prevalência e a incidência de quedas foram de 44,2% e 36,4%, respectivamente. Na análise de regressão múltipla de Poisson do estudo transversal, as variáveis sintomas dispépticos, baixos valores no teste Time Up and Go e ter hipertensão foram associadas com a variável queda. No estudo de coorte, a análise reforçou associação entre não ser ex-etilista e ter constipação. Conclu- são: Considera-se elevada a prevalência e incidência de quedas entre os idosos avaliados, e ressalta-se a necessidade de identificação de grupos mais susceptíveis a esse desfecho. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Acidentes por Quedas; Sarcopenia; Fragilidade; Incidência; Fatores de Risco.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, incidence and factors associated with falls among elderly people attended at a teaching clinic. Method: The study was divided into two components, the cross-sectional follow-up from August 2016 to November 2018 (n=129), and the cohort from August 2018 to November 2018 (n=66). Statistical analyzes were carried out, based on Multiple Poisson Regression, between the outcome and sociodemographic and health characteristics. Results: The prevalence and incidence of falls were 44.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In Poisson's multiple regression analysis of the cross-sectional study, the variables dyspeptic symptoms, low values in the Time Up and Go test and having hypertension were associated with the variable fall. In the cohort study, the analysis reinforced the association between not being an ex-alcoholic and having constipation. Conclusion: The prevalence and incidence of falls among the elderly evaluated is considered high, and the need to identify groups more susceptible to this outcome is emphasized.

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia, incidencia y factores asociados a las caídas entre ancianos atendidos en una clínica docente. Método: El estudio se dividió en dos componentes, el seguimiento transversal de agosto de 2016 a noviembre de 2018 (n=129), y la cohorte de agosto de 2018 a noviembre de 2018 (n=66). Se realizaron análisis estadísticos, basados en Regresión Múltiple de Poisson, entre el desenlace y las características sociodemográficas y de salud. Resultados: La prevalencia e incidencia de caídas fue de 44,2% y 36,4%, respectivamente. En el análisis de regresión múltiple de Poisson del estudio transversal, las variables síntomas dispépticos, valores bajos en el test Time Up and Go y padecer hipertensión se asociaron a la variable caída. En el estudio de cohortes, el análisis reforzó la asociación entre no ser ex-alcohólico y tener estreñimiento. Conclusiones: La prevalencia e incidencia de caídas entre los ancianos evaluados se considera elevada, destacándose la necesidad de identificar grupos más susceptibles a este desenlace.

Dual visual impairment and contrast sensitivity among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study from the PrevQuedas Brazil trial / Duplo déficit visual e sensibilidade ao contraste em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal do PrevQuedas Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with eligible older adults (> 60 years old) living in the community and who suffered at least one fall in the last 12 months from the PrevQuedas Brasil clinical trial. Sociodemographic data, information on previous falls, physical and functional assessment (BOMFAQ and FES-I) were collected. We evaluated impairments in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the Snellen E chart and low-contrast visual acuity tests, respectively. Dual visual impairment refers to the presence of both impairments. For statistical analysis we compared the participants in relation to the number of falls (single fallers or recurrent fallers) using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and the significance level was <0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Visual acuity, low contrast sensitivity, and dual visual impairment were associated with recurrent falls (OR 1.85); visual impairment was more prevalent among the oldest old. Approximately 90% of the participants reported using glasses, and 63.80% used multifocal lenses. Dual impairment was identified in 143 (20.30%) participants. In multivariate logistic regression, the predictive variables for recurrent falls were low contrast sensitivity (95%CI 1.15­2.47), dual visual impairment (95%CI 1.16­2.83), and self-perceived fall risk (95%CI 1.16­2.46) which was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSION: Older adults with dual visual impairment are more likely to suffer recurrent falls. Low contrast sensitivity is crucial for fall risk assessment

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investiga a importância de avaliar a visão de idosos caidores na comunidade. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com idosos elegíveis (> 60 anos) residentes na comunidade e que sofreram pelo menos uma queda nos últimos 12 meses do ensaio clínico PrevQuedas Brasil. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre quedas pregressas, exames físicos e funcionais (BOMFAQ e FES-I). Avaliamos os comprometimentos da acuidade visual e da sensibilidade ao contraste por meio da Tabela E de Snellen e testes de acuidade visual de baixo contraste, respectivamente. O duplo déficit visual refere-se à presença de ambas as deficiências. Para análise estatística comparamos os idosos com relação ao número de quedas (caidores únicos ou caidores recorrentes) usando Qui-quadrado ou Teste exato de Fisher e o nível de significância foi <0.05 para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Baixa acuidade visual, baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual foram associados a quedas recorrentes com odds ratio ­ OR 1,85, frequentemente mais prevalente entre os idosos longevos. Cerca de 90,00% dos idosos relataram usar óculos e 63,80% usavam lentes multifocais. O duplo déficit visual foi identificado em 143 (20,30%) participantes. Nos modelos de regressão logística multivariados, verificamos que as variáveis preditoras para queda recorrente foram a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste (intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 1,15­2,47), duplo déficit (IC95% 1,16­2,83) e a autopercepção do risco de cair (IC95% 1,16­2,46) medido pela Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos com baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual têm maiores chances de sofrerem múltiplas quedas quando comparados com idosos que possuem apenas baixa acuidade visual. Assim, a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste é essencial na avaliação do risco de quedas dos idosos

Polypharmacy and drug classes in fall risk among older adults / Polifarmácia e uso de classes medicamentosas no risco de quedas em pessoas idosas

OBJECTIVE: To identify polypharmacy, including drug classes that, when used concomitantly, increase fall risk in older adults.METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study included noninstitutionalized individuals aged ≥ 60 years living in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. In the descriptive data analysis, the frequency distributions were evaluated and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with fall risk. The ROC curve was used to determine the logistic model's accuracy. RESULTS: The fall rate was higher among women (73.30%) and the 70­79 year age group (42.50%). A total of 80.70% of the participants used ≥ 1 medication and 32.60% used 2­3 medications. According to the odds ratio calculation, use of medications with possible drug interactions increased the occurrence of falls by 47.00% in the last 12 months. The model's accuracy was 55.00%. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that polypharmacy and the use of certain drug classes in older adults can lead to potential drug interactions, making them more susceptible to adverse events, such as postural hypotension, vertigo, dizziness, and loss of balance, all of which increase fall risk. Educational measures for older adults on correct medication use are needed

OBJETIVO: Identificar o uso da polifarmácia e de classes medicamentosas que, quando usadas concomitantemente, elevam os riscos de quedas em pessoas idosas. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, com delineamento transversal, com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais, não institucionalizados, residentes em área urbana do município de Rio Branco, capital do estado do Acre. Na análise descritiva dos dados, avaliaram-se as distribuições de frequências e, para identificação dos fatores associados, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Para verificar a qualidade do modelo logístico na identificação da acurácia, utilizou-se a curva de característica de operação do receptor. RESULTADOS: Pessoas idosas do sexo feminino (73,30%) e de faixa etária de 70 a 79 anos (42,50%) obtiveram maiores ocorrências de quedas; 80,70% das pessoas idosas que apresentaram queda faziam a utilização de, no mínimo, um medicamento; 32,60% dos indivíduos idosos faziam uso de dois ou três medicamentos. Pela tabela de razão de chances, constatou-se que o uso de determinada medicação aumentou em 47,00% a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos 12 meses. O modelo apresentou uma acurácia de 55,00%. CONCLUSÃO: Tendo em vista os aspectos observados, conclui-se que a prática de polifarmácia e o uso acentuado de determinadas classes medicamentosas em pessoas idosas podem gerar potenciais interações medicamentosas e deixá-las mais suscetíveis a eventos adversos, como hipotensão postural, vertigem, tontura, perda do equilíbrio e vulnerabilidade, que propiciam o risco de quedas. Isto posto, é fundamental que os profissionais de saúde implementem medidas educativas favoráveis à correta utilização dos fármacos pelos indivíduos idosos

Alcohol consumption and maxillofacial fractures in times of Covid-19: a cross-sectional study in a cuban university hospital / Consumo de alcohol y fracturas maxilofaciales en tiempos de Covid-19: un estudio transversal en un hospital universitario cubano

Introduction: The consumption of alcoholic beverages reduces the body's ability to deal with dangerous situations and exposes people to trauma. Objective: To determine the association between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures treated at a Cuban university hospital in the context of COVID-19. Material and Methods: An observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Maxillofacial Surgery unit at the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" General University Hospital during the year 2020. Prevalence ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values were obtained using generalized linear models. Results: In 58.23% of the cases, fractures were related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The fundamental etiology was interpersonal violence (47.75%), regardless of the consumption of alcoholic beverages. There was a prevalence of patients with nasal fractures (n=98; 55.06%), among which, 35.71% had consumed alcoholic beverages at the time of the trauma. Being male (p=0.005), the lack of university studies (p=0.007), the need for surgical treatment (p<0.001), the fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (p=0.023), and the traumas that occurred during the weekends (p<0.001) or during the month of June (p=0.029) were factors associated with a higher frequency of fractures related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. There was a lower frequency of fractures associated with alcohol consumption during the months of January (p=0.006) and March (p=0.001). Conclusion: Six out of ten cases were under the influence of alcoholic beverages. There was a greater number of young and male patients, mainly due to interpersonal violence.

Introducción: La ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas disminuye la capacidad del organismo para enfrentar situaciones de peligro y lo predispone a sufrir traumatismos diversos. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y las características de las fracturas maxilofaciales atendidas en un hospital universitario cubano en el contexto de la COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico y transversal realizado en el servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital General Universitario "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" durante el 2020. Se obtuvieron razones de prevalencia, intervalos de confianza a 95% y valores p mediante modelos lineales generalizados. Resultados: En el 58.23% de los casos las fracturas se relacionaron con la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas. La etiología fundamental fue la violencia interpersonal (47.75%), independientemente del consumo o no de bebidas alcohólicas. Predominaron los pacientes con fracturas nasales (n=98; 55.06%), en los que el 35.71% había consumido bebidas alcohólicas en el momento del trauma. El sexo masculino (p=0.005), la carencia de estudios universitarios (p=0.007), la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico (p<0.001), las fracturas del complejo cigomático-maxilar (p=0.023), los traumas sucedidos durante los fines de semanas (p<0.001) o durante el mes de junio (p=0.029) fueron factores asociados a una mayor frecuencia de fracturas relacionadas con el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas. Hubo menor frecuencia de fracturas asociadas a este consumo durante los meses de enero (p=0.006) y marzo (p= 0.001). Conclusión: Seis de cada diez casos estuvieron bajo los efectos de la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas. Existió una mayor afectación de pacientes jóvenes, masculinos, a causa principalmente de la violencia interpersonal.

Avaliação do déficit de equilíbrio em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista / Evaluation of balance deficits in children with autism spectrum disorder / Evaluación del déficit de equilibrio en niños con trastorno del espectro autista

Transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) é um transtorno do neurodesenvolvimento que se manifesta na infância, apresentando alterações na morfologia, fisiologia, conectividade cerebral e ocasionando em distúrbios motores. Objetivo: avaliar o déficit de equilíbrio em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista em uma cidade localizada no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: a amostra foi composta por 11 crianças com idade entre 3 e 14 anos, frequentadores de uma instituição de atendimento a autistas. Os participantes foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: Bateria Psicomotora (BPM), Timed-up and Go Test e Tinetti. Resultados: observou-se predomínio do sexo masculino, redução estatisticamente significativa dos escores da escala de equilíbrio, (24,27 ±4,1; p=0,03) e escore total (13,45 ±2,5; p=0,022), sem diferença no escore da escala de marcha (10,82 ± 2,4 ; p=0,059), através da Escala de Equilíbrio e Mobilidade de Tinetti, e, na avaliação da BPM, 54,54% apresentaram perfil psicomotor normal. Nas correlações, encontrou-se relação direta entre o fator praxia global da BPM e escore total de Tinetti (r= 0,522; p=0,05). Houve ainda relação entre os fatores psicomotores com o equilíbrio na BPM, sendo moderada para tonicidade (r= 0,582; p=0,03) e fortes entre noção do corpo (r=0,811; p=0,001), estruturação espaço temporal (r= 0,894; p=0,000), praxias global (r= 0,963; p=0,000) e fina (r=0,894; p=0,000). Em relação a análise dos fatores da BPM, a maioria dos pacientes apresentava dificuldade na praxia global, sendo 45,5% da amostra dispráxica. Foi possível ainda estabelecer correlação moderada entre a Praxia Global da BPM e o TUG (r=0,548, p=0,04) e, embora não significativa,com a Tinetti (r=0,522, p=0,05),. Foi observada também uma correlação moderada entre a Tonicidade e a TUG (R=0,601,p=0,025).Conclusão: crianças com TEA apresentam alteração no equilíbrio, representando um baixo risco de quedas, e comprometimento da praxia global, assim como uma correlação entre déficit de equilíbrio e alterações na tonicidade, noção do corpo, estruturação espaço temporal e praxias global e fina desses indivíduos.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in childhood, with alterations in morphology, physiology, brain connectivity and causing motor disorders. Objective: to assess the balance deficit in children with ASD in a city located in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. Method: the sample consisted of 11 children aged between 3 and 14 years old, regulars at an autism care institution. Participants were submitted to the following evaluations: Psychomotor Battery, Timed-Up and Go Test, and Tinetti. Results: there was a predominance of males, a statistically significant reduction in the balance scale scores (24,27 ±4,1; p=0.03) and total score (13,45 ±2,5; p=0.022), with no difference in the gait scale score (10,82 ± 2,4; p=0.059), using the Tinetti Balance and Mobility Scale, and, in the assessment of the BPM, 54.54% had a normal psychomotor profile. In the correlations, a direct relationship was found between the global BPM praxis factor and the total Tinetti score (r= 0.522). There was also a relationship between psychomotor factors and BPM balance, being moderate for tonicity (r= 0.582), and strong between body notion (r=0.811), temporal space structuring (r= 0.894), global praxis (r= 0.963), and fine praxis (r=0.894). Regarding the analysis of BPM factors, most patients had difficulty in global praxis, with 45.5% of the dyspraxic sample. It was also possible to establish a moderate correlation between the Global Praxia of the BPM and the TUG (r=0.548, p=0.04) and, although not significant, with Tinetti (r=0.522, p=0.05). There was also a moderatecorrelation between tonicity and TUG (r=0.601, p=0.025). Conclusion: children with ASD present balance alterations, representing a low risk of falls, and impairment of global praxis, as well as correlation between balance deficits and alterations with tonicity, body notion, temporal space structure, and global and fine praxis of these individuals.

El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo que se manifiesta en la infancia, presentando cambios en la morfología, la fisiología, la conectividad cerebral y provocando trastornos motores. Objetivo: evaluar el déficit de equilibrio en niños con trastorno del espectro autista en una ciudad del interior de Rio Grande do Sul. Método: la muestra consistió en 11 niños de entre 3 y 14 años, que asistían a una institución para pacientes autistas. Los participantes fueron sometidos a las siguientes evaluaciones: Batería psicomotriz (BPM), Test de tiempo y marcha y Tinetti. Resultados: se observó un predominio de varones, reducción estadísticamente significativa de las puntuaciones de la escala de equilibrio, (24,27 ±4,1; p=0,03) y de la puntuación total (13,45±2,5; p=0,022), sin diferencia en la puntuación de la escala de marcha (10,82 ± 2,4 ; p=0,059), a través de la Escala de Equilibrio y Movilidad de Tinetti, y, en la evaluación del BPM, el 54,54% presentó perfil psicomotor normal. En las correlaciones, se encontró una relación directa entre el factor de praxis global del BPM y la puntuación total de Tinetti (r= 0,522; p=0,05). También hubo una relación entre los factores psicomotores y el equilibrio en el BPM, siendo moderada para la tonicidad (r= 0,582; p=0,03) y fuerte entre la noción corporal (r=0,811; p=0,001), la estructuración espacio-temporal (r= 0,894; p=0,000), las prácticas globales (r= 0,963; p=0,000) y las finas (r=0,894; p=0,000). En cuanto al análisis de los factores de la BPM, la mayoría de los pacientes tenían dificultades en la praxis global, siendo el 45,5% de la muestra disprática. También se pudo establecer una correlación moderada entre la Praxis Global del BPM y el TUG (r=0,548, p=0,04) y, aunque no significativa, con el Tinetti (r=0,522, p=0,05),. También se observó una correlación moderada entre la tonicidad y el TUG (R=0,601,p=0,025).Conclusión: los niños con TEA presentan alteración del equilibrio, representando un bajo riesgo de caídas, y alteración de la praxis global, así como una correlación entre el déficit de equilibrio y las alteraciones de la tonicidad, la noción corporal, la estructuración espacio-temporal y la praxis global y fina de estos individuos.

Trends in Adverse Event Rates in Hospitalized Patients, 2010-2019.

Importance: Patient safety is a US national priority, yet lacks a comprehensive assessment of progress over the past decade. Objective: To determine the change in the rate of adverse events in hospitalized patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: This serial cross-sectional study used data from the Medicare Patient Safety Monitoring System from 2010 to 2019 to assess in-hospital adverse events in patients. The study included 244 542 adult patients hospitalized in 3156 US acute care hospitals across 4 condition groups from 2010 through 2019: acute myocardial infarction (17%), heart failure (17%), pneumonia (21%), and major surgical procedures (22%); and patients hospitalized from 2012 through 2019 for all other conditions (22%). Exposures: Adults aged 18 years or older hospitalized during each included calendar year. Main Outcomes and Measures: Information on adverse events (abstracted from medical records) included 21 measures across 4 adverse event domains: adverse drug events, hospital-acquired infections, adverse events after a procedure, and general adverse events (hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and falls). The outcomes were the total change over time for the observed and risk-adjusted adverse event rates in the subpopulations. Results: The study sample included 190 286 hospital discharges combined in the 4 condition-based groups of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, and major surgical procedures (mean age, 68.0 [SD, 15.9] years; 52.6% were female) and 54 256 hospital discharges for the group including all other conditions (mean age, 57.7 [SD, 20.7] years; 59.8% were female) from 3156 acute care hospitals across the US. From 2010 to 2019, the total change was from 218 to 139 adverse events per 1000 discharges for acute myocardial infarction, from 168 to 116 adverse events per 1000 discharges for heart failure, from 195 to 119 adverse events per 1000 discharges for pneumonia, and from 204 to 130 adverse events per 1000 discharges for major surgical procedures. From 2012 to 2019, the rate of adverse events for all other conditions remained unchanged at 70 adverse events per 1000 discharges. After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics, the annual change represented by relative risk in all adverse events per 1000 discharges was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.93-0.94) for acute myocardial infarction, 0.95 (95% CI, 0.94-0.96) for heart failure, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.93-0.95) for pneumonia, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.92-0.94) for major surgical procedures, and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) for all other conditions. The risk-adjusted adverse event rates declined significantly in all patient groups for adverse drug events, hospital-acquired infections, and general adverse events. For patients in the major surgical procedures group, the risk-adjusted rates of events after a procedure declined significantly. Conclusions and Relevance: In the US between 2010 and 2019, there was a significant decrease in the rates of adverse events abstracted from medical records for patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, and major surgical procedures and there was a significant decrease in the adjusted rates of adverse events between 2012 and 2019 for all other conditions. Further research is needed to understand the extent to which these trends represent a change in patient safety.

Association between incident falls and subsequent fractures in patients attending the fracture liaison service after an index fracture: a 3-year prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of subsequent fractures in patients who attended the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS), with and without incident falls after the index fracture. DESIGN: A 3-year prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: An outpatient FLS in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 50+ years with a recent clinical fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES: Incident falls and subsequent fractures. RESULTS: The study included 488 patients (71.9% women, mean age: 64.6±8.6 years). During the 3-year follow-up, 959 falls had been ascertained in 296 patients (60.7%) (ie, fallers), and 60 subsequent fractures were ascertained in 53 patients (10.9%). Of the fractures, 47 (78.3%) were fall related, of which 25 (53.2%) were sustained at the first fall incident at a median of 34 weeks. An incident fall was associated with an approximately 9-fold (HR: 8.6, 95% CI 3.1 to 23.8) increase in the risk of subsequent fractures. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that subsequent fractures among patients on treatment prescribed in an FLS setting are common, and that an incident fall is a strong predictor of subsequent fracture risk. Immediate attention for fall risk could be beneficial in an FLS model of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NL45707.072.13.

Análise das ocorrências de quedas associadas ao dano em unidade de internação psiquiátrica / Análisis de las ocurrencias de caídas asociadas a daños en la unidad de hospitalidad psiquiátrica / Analysis of the occurrences of falls associated with injury in a psychiatric inpatient unit

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as ocorrências de quedas associadas ao dano em pacientes internados em uma unidade psiquiátrica. Método: estudo ecológico retrospectivo de 92 notificações de quedas em unidade de internação psiquiátrica. A coleta dos dados ocorreu pelo sistema eletrônico GEO (Gestão Estratégica Operacional) do hospital estudado e do prontuário, sendo realizada estatística descritiva e testes não paramétricos. Resultados: quanto ao grau de dano, 39,1% das quedas foram leves e 29,1% consideradas de moderadas a graves, principalmente em pacientes com esquizofrenia e transtorno bipolar. As variáveis diagnóstico do paciente, tipo de queda, turno do evento, local da queda e eletroconvulsoterapia não mostraram associação com o grau de dano apresentado pelos pacientes após o evento. Conclusão: com o estudo, foi possível identificar as particularidades que afetam o paciente psiquiátrico e prever as condições mais prevalentes para o evento quedas, de modo a servir de subsídio para a instalação de medidas preventivas durante a internação.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las ocurrencias de caídas asociadas a lesiones en pacientes hospitalizados en una unidad psiquiátrica. Método: estudio ecológico retrospectivo de 92 notificaciones de caídas en una unidad de hospitalización psiquiátrica. Los datos se recogieron mediante el sistema electrónico GEO (Gestión Estratégica Operativa) del hospital estudiado y las historias clínicas, y se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas y pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: en cuanto al grado de lesión, el 39,1% de las caídas fueron leves y el 29,1% de moderadas a graves, principalmente en pacientes con esquizofrenia y trastorno bipolar. Las variables diagnóstico del paciente, tipo de caída, turno del evento, lugar de la caída y terapia electroconvulsiva no mostraron asociación con el grado de daño que presentaron los pacientes después del evento. Conclusión: con este estudio, fue posible identificar las particularidades que afectan a los pacientes psiquiátricos y predecir las condiciones más prevalentes para el evento de caídas, con el fin de servir de subsidio para la instalación de medidas preventivas durante la hospitalización.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the occurrence of falls associated with injury in patients hospitalized in a psychiatric unit. Method: retrospective ecological study of 92 reports of falls in a psychiatric inpatient unit. Data collection took place using the GEO (Strategic Operational Management) electronic system of the hospital studied and the medical records, with descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Results: regarding the degree of injury, 39.1% of the falls were mild and 29.1% were considered moderate to severe, especially in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The patient diagnosis variables, type of fall, event shift, place of fall and electroconvulsive therapy did not show any association with the degree of injury presented by patients after the event. Conclusion: with the study, it was possible to identify the particularities that affect the psychiatric patient and predict the most prevalent conditions for the event of falls, in order to serve as a subsidy for the installation of preventive measures during hospitalization.

Aspects of trauma related to violence, accidents and falls before and during the COVID-19 pandemic / Aspectos del trauma relacionados con la violencia, accidentes y caídas antes y durante la pandemia COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Trauma is the second leading cause of mortality and the sixth leading cause of hospitalization in the country, with violence, accidents, and falls being the most prevalent. However, the country is experiencing reflexes of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with a lack of studies on trauma, as well as on clinical care. Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of trauma related to violence, accidents, and falls among the years 2019, 2020, and 2021, considered as before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort study, with adults aged 25-55 years, who suffered trauma related to violence, falls, and other accidents, in the period between March and June of 2019, 2020, and 2021, in the city of São Paulo. Data surveys were carried out using the TABNET system, of the Municipal Health Department. Within this system, the search was carried out through the Information System for the Surveillance of Accidents, of the Coordination of Health Surveillance, in which situations of violence were notified and recorded by the National Information System for Notifiable Diseases. Subsequently, the Information System for Surveillance of Violence and Accidents was accessed, focusing on notifications and records of falls and other accidents. Results: Trauma remained more prevalent for males, with complete primary education, and ethnicity predominantly between white or brown. When analyzing the different types of violence: physical, torture, and sexual, there was a prevalence of higher percentages during the year 2019, the pre-pandemic period of COVID-19, except for psychological/moral violence, which was higher in 2021. It should also be noted that the different mechanisms of violence were significantly more prevalent in 2019, as well as the different causes of violence, falls, and car trauma involving pedestrians, occupants, drivers, and passengers. Outpatient care confirmed the higher trend in the pre-pandemic period; however, emergency hospital care showed a greater number of requests in 2020 and 2021. Conclusión: Trauma from violence, accidents, and falls was higher pre-pandemic compared to the period during the COVID-19 pandemic; as well as the search for health care in hospitals and outpatient clinics. These findings show a possible reduction in trauma reports and lower demand for assistance during the pandemic.

Resumen Introducción: El trauma es la segunda causa de mortalidad y la sexta de hospitalización en el país, siendo la violencia, los accidentes y las caídas las más prevalentes. Sin embargo, el país está experimentando reflejos de una pandemia de COVID-19, junto a una falta de estudios sobre el trauma, así como sobre la atención clínica. Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas del trauma junto a la violencia, accidentes y caídas entre los años 2019, 2020 y 2021, considerados antes y durante la pandemia COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, con adultos de 25 a 55 años, que sufrieron trauma relacionado con violencia, caídas y otros accidentes, en el período comprendido entre marzo y junio de 2019, 2020 y 2021, en la ciudad de São Paulo. Las encuestas de datos fueron realizadas por el sistema TABNET, por el Departamento Municipal de Salud. Dentro de este sistema, la búsqueda se realizó a través del Sistema de Información para la Vigilancia de Accidentes, de la Coordinación de Vigilancia en Salud, en el cual las situaciones de violencia fueron notificadas y registradas por el Sistema Nacional de Información de Enfermedades Notificables. Posteriormente, se accedió al Sistema de Información de Vigilancia de Violencia y Accidentes, con enfoque en notificaciones y registro de caídas y otros accidentes. Resultados: El trauma siguió siendo más prevalente para los hombres, con educación primaria completa y raza predominantemente entre blancos y morenos. Al analizar los diferentes tipos de violencia: física, tortura y sexual, hubo mayores porcentajes de prevalencia durante el año 2019, período prepandémico de COVID-19, a excepción de la violencia psicológica / moral, que fue mayor en 2021. Nótese que los diferentes mecanismos de violencia fueron significativamente más prevalentes en 2019, así como las diferentes causas de violencia, caídas y traumatismos automovilísticos que involucran a peatones, ocupantes, conductores y pasajeros. La atención ambulatoria confirmó la tendencia de superioridad en el período prepandémico, sin embargo, la atención hospitalaria de emergencia mostró un mayor número de solicitudes en 2020 y 2021. Conclusión: Los traumas de violencia, accidentes y caídas son más prepandémico en comparación con el período durante la pandemia COVID-19; así como la búsqueda de asistencia sanitaria en hospitales y clínicas. Estos hallazgos muestran una posible reducción en los informes de trauma y una menor demanda de asistencia durante la pandemia.

Multicenter survey on implantable collamer lens dislocation.

This study aimed to investigate the incidence, patient background, and postoperative prognosis of implantable collamer lens (ICL) dislocation. We retrospectively reviewed all cases of ICL dislocation at four major refractive surgery centers in Japan until December 2019. The incidence, patient background, cause of dislocation, complications of repositioning surgery, and postoperative visual function were investigated. Seven ICL dislocations [0.072% of total ICL-implanted eyes (9775 eyes)] occurred at an average of 28.6 months (11-82 months) postoperatively. All patients were male. Five eyes were injured during sports activities, one due to a fall from a bicycle, and another due to ocular blunt trauma caused by a mortuary tablet. Two patients had re-dislocation in the same eye. Retinal detachment occurred after repositioning surgery in one patient, and scleral buckling surgery was performed without ICL removal. ICL dislocation is a rare complication of ICL surgery; repositioning surgery is effective, but retinal complications may occur.